DISBELIEF and anger have greeted the announcement of former chancellor George Osborn’s new job – chair of the board of trustees at the British Museum.

The organisation said a committee of seven trustees led by one of the board’s deputy chairs, Minouche Shafik, “led an independent, open and thorough search process for a leader with a global perspective".

They also wanted someone with a demonstrable interest in culture and history, and a commitment to engaging audiences locally, nationally and internationally.

Osborne, also a former editor of the Evening Standard, can add the role to his existing jobs – a partner at investment bank Robey Warshaw and chair of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, a fact that was not lost on social media users.

Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner tweeted: “George Osborne as Chancellor was the architect of devastating to cuts to the arts and culture.

“He is in no way an appropriate choice for a position at one of our country’s leading cultural and historical institutions, and the man has more than enough jobs already.”

Another Twitter user said: “George Osborne was booed at the Paralympics for his role in creating the punitive architecture that caused thousands of disabled people to commit suicide, that stripped benefits from people with terminal cancer, forcing them to search for work.

“I’m sure he’ll be a great fit.”

Colin Alston summed up the thoughts of many, saying: “George Osborne: A Chancellor of the Exchequer who couldn't count. A newspaper Editor who couldn't write. Will now sit in a Chair in the British Museum, proving that it is not what you know...”

Jack Turner wrote: “The rich have an upward trajectory of failure. George Osborne was David Cameron's chancellor who pushed austerity onto us all, leaving the NHS extremely vulnerable to covid. He then instantly got a job as editor of the evening standard which saw massive losses, and now this.”

Osborne said he was “absolutely thrilled” to be joining the museum’s team “and so honoured to have had the opportunity to apply for this role”.

He said he had loved the museum all his life, but Capel Lofft wondered how safe it was: “How long before @George_Osborne tries to sell off the British Museum to the Chinese government?

“Oh, I forgot, it's not infrastructure vital to our security and national interests, so he probably won't be so bothered.”

Ragged Trousered Philanderer said: “It seems appropriate to have a Tory in charge of the biggest stash of stolen goods in the world.”

Already a petition has started to halt the appointment, as noted by Fiona Shaw: “Please let’s try to stop this man doing more harm! Trustees of the British Museum: Reverse the decision to make George Osborne the next Chair of the British Museum – Sign the Petition!”